Would I be doing the right thing?

ktj1891

ktj1891

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Basically to cut a long story shorter.
2 years ago my 8 yr old NF x mare fractured her knee. All the vets told me should would never return to proper ridden work and I should have her put down. I was totally distraught and decided to keep going.

Since then shes improved loads and looks pretty much 99% sound. She has been ridden a little over those two years but nothing amazing just walks down road and little trot in school.

Shes been in two companion loan homes and now shes back with me but at a different yard in someones field.
Its just gotten to the point now where I am paying for her to just been in a field, I don't have time to see her only once a week, insurance and shoeing and on top dealing with hassle on what happens if this or that falls through on this happens.

I cannot really afford her and there doesn't seem to be any reliable long term loan homes where people want companions- I have been debating for a while getting her euthanised.

Its a horrible thought and I couldn't go through this at the time, but what makes it harder now is shes perfectly happy in the field. But I just losing justification to keep and pay for her and the stress im feeling having her.

Would it be the right or wrong thing to do to have her pts?

I have tried so many angles to sort a home for her but nothing seems to come through and I would never sell her or send her where I couldn't check on her. Just trying to come to terms with the fact that there doesnt seem to be any more options?
 
Does she have to have shoes & insurance? If you're thinking of having her pts then there seems little point insuring her and if she isn't ridden, she doesn't need shoes.
 
I do have her on grass livery which is cheaper but after trimming and insurance its a lot of money really. I am on temp job which I am losing end of Dec and its just stressing me constantly thinking about her and what I am going to do with her. I love her to pieces but its not the same it used to be and I am only seeing her once a week its just not working out well for me.
 
Shes been advertised constantly people just dont seem to need companions. I have also rang all approved charity homes and none are taking in unless its a severe welfare case as they are packed. They have suggested the kindest option is to PTS if I cannot find a reliable safe companion home- which has proved very hard and stressful over these past two years.

Just do not know what to do.
 
You have to look after yourself first. You can't afford this horse. You went against vets advice 2 years ago and unless she can be ridden, no one is going to keep her for you long-term - the problem will always keep coming back (unless you marry a rich farmer).

Even considering loaning her means you run the risk of someone riding her/selling her on loan.

Just be brave and do the right thing. I'm not saying it's easy to do but in your circumstances it's probably the way forward
 
This is what people have told me and in reality I should have done it at the time but she as my first pony and my life back then. I've grown up and have to earn my living now and things change drastically. I have another horse and you just wonder where the spare cash spent on her could be going. :(
 
It is a very hard decision to make, but if you are only able to visit her once a week, that is not really enough for either of you.

The costs of keeping a pony who is not in work are not small, they still have to be kept properly, feet trimmed, 3rd party insurace etc.

So on balanace I would say, you have had two extra years and know that she is never going to be as she was before, so the only way to know what happens to her if you are struggling with costs is PTS. To me this is always the kindest option to the animal rather than pass on to people who may not look after it correctly or abuse it.
 
Terrible attitude I wish people would think before buying horses if you can't provide a future in sickness and health don't buy! Putting down a happy healthy horse who is enjoying its life if disgusting.
 
That's a bit harsh!!!

Although I agree with your sentiments in an ideal world, people's circumstances change, and it is not like she hasn't tried other avenues to find a solution........

Pts is a very hard decision for the OP to make and comments like that don't help!
 
So only the rich should be allowed to keep horses !?! Only the really well-heeled can be sure they can afford to keep their horse for ever! The majority of horse owners struggle and go without for their horses and if things really go wrong with time and finance it is much the bravest and kindest decision to pts rather than send them to a dealer or the sales.
 
That's really hurt how can anyone For see there futures. I wish it was as easy and cheap to keep horses but its not. Until someone is in this difficult situation themselves I don't think it's fair to judge me. I have kept her for 2 1/2 years and she's done nothing to earn her keep I know it was my decision to keep her going and at the time it felt so right to do that but now reality has hit and its very hard to pay for her when I can't do anything with her. But then I am still in two minds its definaty playing on me what is the best decision for the future.
 
If it helps, Ktj, I haven't got a crystal ball either. I am not guaranteed an income, and if I haven't got a job me and the horse might not eat. Shock horror. How irresponsible am I?

Rant over, sorry.

I have always said that if I did have to give up any horse because I couldn't afford it, I would rather pts than risk an uncertain future for it. I can't decide for you, but if I was in your position I would almost certainly pts.
 
Jump2It said:
Terrible attitude I wish people would think before buying horses if you can't provide a future in sickness and health don't buy! Putting down a happy healthy horse who is enjoying its life if disgusting.
Click to expand...

Thats very harsh! No one can guarantee the future...and when I was growing up, horses and ponies were always sold on once they were outgrown. Only the rich can afford to keep horses as pets in a forever home. I will most certainly try but if I am faced with feeding my family or keeping a horse I know what i would choose
 
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Jump2It said:
Terrible attitude I wish people would think before buying horses if you can't provide a future in sickness and health don't buy! Putting down a happy healthy horse who is enjoying its life if disgusting.
Click to expand...

Except she's not healthy is she? , and she cant work except of the lightest kind because of it.
and how do you know she's happy? for ll you know she could be bored witless being a field ornament.
 
Don't get upset - it is plain to see it is a very hard time for you, and a decision you are not taking lightly.

I know I will open myself up to abuse for saying this, but I believe that horses should have a 'job' to do, whether as an occasional happy hack or top end competition horse. When the day comes that they can no longer do that job, it is then the owners decision, and no body else's, what to do with said horse - whether that be to retire as a field ornament or companion, or pts.

If you cannot find it a suitable home, then you have every right to consider pts.
 
No they are both on diff yards retired mare is in private field and my other is at DIY livery that a ride and do everyday.
 
No it's more money and we don't have no winter turnout for her sake she needs to be out 24/7 wherever possible. She has been at that yard all summer but then went to loan home that fell through so had to find somewhere for her for winter. It's been hard sorting her out tbh it's been a constant worry with her.
 
Well pts would certainly stop you worrying and then you will have more money to spend on your other horse...hopefully that one will keep you amused and not give you any worry.
 
Oh give me a break. Some people on here really are just living in a dream world. How many people can say for sure that they will be able to support a horse for the rest of their life? I think you'll find that it's probably something like 1 in 100, if that. OP do what is right for YOU if you have explored all options.
 
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